Ann is the wine barrel-aged version of Anna, our grandfather's sister, as well as the name of our honey farmstead ale. In her honor, we fill French oak wine barrels with Anna and allow the beer to mature in the presence of our resident microflora. After extended aging for as long as it requires to reach its apex, a beautifully complex beer emerges; Anna becomes Ann. Only the finest expressions of barrel-aged Anna become Ann; our version of Grand Cru, this beer represents the finest barrel results at their peak representation. Each 750ml bottle is naturally carbonated and hand-dipped in beeswax, Ann exhibits and showcases the microflora of her landscape.

Reviews by dmsohyea:

More User Reviews:

Landed this in trade back in January and have been saving to open on my birthday (7/14), which just so happens to be 2 years to the day it was released (7/14/12).

A: Beautiful straw golden color with 1/4in head that recedes to a light ring around the surface.

S: Light wine barrel funk with some grapes and lemon

T: Everything that went into Ann comes through still: The white wine barrel character and the honey are readily apparent. This is very wine like, but in a very good way.

M: Excellent carbonation level. Very drinkable.

O: There are lots of reports of Ann having fallen off and being a shell of her former self. I never had it fresh so I don't really have a frame of reference, but IMO this is remarkable. I am now eagerly anticipating the new batch and the opportunity to try it again.

T~ wow! this is crazy unique! pretty much follows the nose with more saison aspects. black pepper and bready yeast. all ending with a strong lemon vinegar tartness.

M~ not very carbonated but thats probably because the sample was saved for me. otherwise super smooth with the texture of dank lemonade. if this was freshly cracked i'm sure this would have had a nearly perfect score.

O~ definitely the most unique brew i've ever had the pleasure of experiencing! i'm hoping this is still being done again but i'm sure it won't be the same, this is just too crazy! hopefully its the same kind of wine barrel as well, the white wine/grape aspect is unreal! i seriously hope to have another chance to try this, 2 ounces was not enough!

EDIT FOR BATCH 2:a lot brighter and way more citrus than batch 1. honey and white wine still very forward. so delicate and amazing all around!

Overall this was good but not my favorite by HF and I certainly wouldn't go through the lengths or trade what I did for this bottle again. From what I hear, it was much better fresh. Never the less I am extremely appreciative of Joey for opening his bottle and will look to trade mine for something we can both enjoy

Mouthfeel - Slick from the wine. Light and medium carbonation. Very nice. Low acidity, but it's there and helps to bring the honey and wine together. Yeasty bitterness.

Overall - As I took notes on this beer, it was rated a 4.9, which is ridiculous. At the same time, I have to admit that this is one of the best saisons I've ever had. Complex, light, and never overbearing with any one flavor. Truly a great saison.

Poured from a yellow waxed 750 that I got from the farm on the bottle release.

I read some of the reviews ahead of time so I knew to pour very slowly. I kept the head down until the end of the pour where I allowed a nice 2 finger head to develop. The color is a pale orange with a little haze. The head dissipates to a nice white lace that completely rims the glass.

The aroma has lemon, honey, vanilla, and a bit of white wine and oak.

The taste is absolutely amazing. Over the top! It totally goes beyond what you get in the nose. It is citrusy, but with an oaky wine upfront, especially as the carbonation kicks in. Funky saison elements are present. Some floral and pineapple tones creep in.